Wednesday, November 01, 2006

The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob

I've been preparing Sunday School lessons for the teachers each week this fall, since Sunday School started last September. We are working out way through Genesis, and I am humbled. I'm the "storyteller" and then the kids break up into age groups and have some activities with their teachers. I've been doing a little work up each week on the story and if I can find it, patristic commentary, and hearing how these stories are presented in other Orthodox materials for kids.

I stand in awe at the faith of Abraham, Enoch, Noah, Isaac, etc. These people had a trust in God far greater than mine, and I am humbled. They were waiting on the promise, and I HAVE the promise, yet I am in awe.

How can Adam carry on upon the earth by the sweat of his brow after knowing paradise?How can Seth fill his brother Abel's shoes?How can Enoch walk with God?How can Noah build a boat on dry land?How can Abraham leave his family to go live among wicked pagans?How can Isaac lay down on the wood that he himself carried to the hill?How can Rebecca go with a stranger?How can Jacob see heaven?How can Joseph resist evil and pursue good in the midst of suffering?

How did these men and women KNOW God? And this without Holy Scriptures?

One of the things that has stood out to me is that there is always continuity. Lifespans overlap. Stories get told. Faith is passed from parents to their children. There is continuity. Holy Tradition. And a God who seeks us, seeks to be known by us. Constantly seeks a relationship with us. Not a God who abandons, but a God who promises, a God who fulfills His promises, and a God who woos His people.